weirdness: puppy & wd-40

I have this 5 month old puppy and I discovered a couple of weeks ago that he is terrified of WD-40. Then I forgot his intense fear and used it again this evening. So, weird. Why would a little puppy be so scared of WD-40?

I've had him since he was 8 weeks old and has suffered no trauma. He's been happy and cute and playful. He's doing real well with house breaking. He displays no mental issues - until WD-40 gets squirted. Then he turns into a trembling cowering crippled unrecognizable little creature. It took a week for the smell to disperse enough for him to get back to normal last time.

I googled "dog wd-40" when it first happened and there were several references to using wd-40 to kill fleas. So, I theorize that perhaps the breeder used wd-40 for that and must of got it in his nose and eyes. But it makes little sense. This breeder sells AKC registered high quality pups. Why would he risk their health and life to use wd-40 to kill fleas? It can't be any cheaper than regular flea dip. I mean wd-40 ain't cheap.

It's just so weird, but I guess I'll throw mine out so I won't be tempted to use it again.